Want to know how to make your skirt bigger? You can easily increase the size of a skirt by adding fabric panels to the side seams, adjusting the waistband, or incorporating elastic. These methods offer simple solutions for a skirt that’s become too tight or if you’ve found a great skirt in a size that’s just a bit too small.

Making Your Skirt Bigger: Simple Solutions for a Better Fit

It’s a common frustration: you love a skirt, but it no longer fits quite right. Perhaps your body has changed, or maybe you found a fantastic thrift store gem that’s a size too small. The good news is that you don’t have to give up on your favorite skirts. With a few basic sewing skills, you can effectively increase the size of a skirt to achieve a more comfortable and flattering fit.

Adding Fabric Panels: The Most Effective Way to Enlarge a Skirt

The most straightforward and impactful way to make a skirt bigger is by adding fabric panels to the side seams. This technique allows for a significant increase in both the waist and hip measurements, making it ideal for skirts that are tight all over.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Skirt Alteration

Selecting the correct fabric is crucial for a seamless alteration. Ideally, you’ll want to use a fabric that closely matches the original skirt’s material in terms of weight, texture, and drape. This ensures the added panels blend in naturally and don’t look out of place.

• Matching Material: If you have an old garment made of the same fabric, you can often use scraps from it.
• Similar Weight and Drape: A fabric that hangs and moves similarly will create a more cohesive look.
• Color Coordination: Aim for a color that is as close as possible to the original skirt. If a perfect match isn’t possible, consider a contrasting fabric for a deliberate design element.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Side Panels

1. Measure and Mark: Try on the skirt and mark where it feels tightest. You’ll need to open up the side seams to the point where the skirt needs to be enlarged.
2. Cut Fabric Panels: Cut two rectangular pieces of your chosen fabric. The width of each panel should be half the total amount you need to add to the skirt’s circumference, plus about an inch for seam allowances. The length should be sufficient to cover the area you’ve opened up.
3. Sew Panels to Skirt: Pin one fabric panel to one side of the opened seam, right sides together. Sew along the seam. Repeat for the other side of the skirt.
4. Finish Seams: Press the seams open and finish the raw edges to prevent fraying. You can use a serger, a zigzag stitch, or pinking shears.
5. Hemming: If your added panels are longer than the original skirt, you may need to adjust the hemline.

Adjusting the Waistband: A Simpler Solution for Tightness at the Top

If your skirt primarily feels tight around the waist, adjusting the waistband is a quicker fix. This method is less about increasing the overall size of the skirt and more about accommodating a slightly larger waist.

Methods for Waistband Expansion

• Adding Elastic: This is a popular and easy method. You can insert a strip of elastic into a casing at the back of the waistband. This allows the waistband to stretch comfortably.
• Adding a Waistband Extension: For a more structured look, you can add a fabric extension to the existing waistband. This often involves adding a small piece of fabric and a new button or hook-and-eye closure.

Incorporating Elastic for Stretch and Comfort

Adding elastic is a fantastic way to increase the size of a skirt without drastically altering its shape. It’s particularly effective for gathered skirts, A-line skirts, or skirts with a simple elasticated waistband.

How to Add Elastic to a Skirt Waistband

1. Create a Casing: If your skirt doesn’t have a casing, you’ll need to create one. Fold down the top edge of the skirt twice to create a channel for the elastic. Stitch close to the folded edge, leaving a small opening.
2. Cut Elastic: Measure your waist and cut a piece of 1-inch wide elastic to your desired comfort level (usually waist measurement minus 2-3 inches).
3. Insert Elastic: Use a safety pin to thread the elastic through the casing.
4. Secure Elastic: Overlap the ends of the elastic by about an inch and stitch them together securely.
5. Close Opening: Stitch the opening in the casing closed.

When to Consider Professional Tailoring

While many skirt alterations are manageable for a beginner sewer, some situations might call for professional help. If your skirt is made of delicate or expensive fabric, has intricate details like pleats or embellishments, or if you’re aiming for a significant size increase, a tailor can ensure a perfect and professional finish.

Popular Skirt Alteration Methods Compared

Here’s a quick look at the common methods for making a skirt larger:

Method	Best For	Ease of Execution	Potential for Size Increase	Appearance
Adding Side Panels	Significant size increase, all-over tightness	Moderate	High	Can be seamless if fabric matches well
Adjusting Waistband	Tight waist, minimal overall size need	Easy to Moderate	Low to Moderate	Can be subtle or noticeable depending on method
Adding Elastic	Gathers, elasticated waists, comfort	Easy	Moderate	Usually hidden, adds stretch

Can I make a pencil skirt bigger?

Yes, you can make a pencil skirt bigger, but it requires careful consideration of the fabric and design. Adding panels to the side seams is the most effective method, but you’ll need to ensure the added fabric complements the sleek silhouette of the pencil skirt. Sometimes, a small elastic insert at the back waistband can provide a bit of extra room without altering the core shape.

How much can I realistically increase a skirt’s size?

The amount you can realistically increase a skirt’s size depends heavily on the original construction and fabric. By adding side panels, you can often increase the waist and hip measurements by several inches. However, significant alterations can sometimes distort the original design, so it’s best to aim for a comfortable, proportional increase.

What if my skirt is too tight in the hips but not the waist?

If your skirt is too tight in the hips but fits well at the waist, adding fabric panels to the lower part of the side seams is your best bet. You can also consider adding a triangular gusset of fabric at the center back seam, just below the waistband, to provide extra room in the hip area.

Is it better to alter a skirt or buy a new one?